What type of refrigerant is typically used in residential units?

R-410A is a refrigerant that has become the standard in new residential air conditioning systems. Its use is primarily due to its efficiency and environmental compliance, as it does not contribute to ozone depletion like some older refrigerants. R-410A operates at higher pressures than previous refrigerants such as R-22, making it more efficient in energy transfer and cooling performance.

The shift toward R-410A was largely propelled by regulations that phased out ozone-depleting substances. As a result, most new residential air conditioning systems manufactured after 2010 are designed to use R-410A, which also offers better performance in hot and humid climates.

In contrast, while R-22 was widely used in older air conditioning systems, its production and importation have been phased down due to its environmental impact. R-134A and R-404A are typically used in refrigeration applications and commercial units rather than residential air conditioning systems. Therefore, R-410A is the preferred and widely accepted choice for modern residential air conditioning.